Building Inspector/Plans Examiner

This position responds to inquiries from developers, contractors and the public regarding building code compliance issues; review complex residential and commercial building plans and specifications for compliance with established building codes and ordinances. Conducts necessary on-site field inspections of buildings for code compliance; assists staff in the application and interpretation of adopted codes; and performs a variety of plans examination tasks. Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following depending on area of assignment, business needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors.

1. Review residential and commercial building plans and specifications for compliance with established state, local, and international building codes, and ordinances, approve plans as appropriate and issue permits.
2. Ensure plans and specifications follow the regulations for Barrier Free Facilities and Energy Code requirements.
3. Provide information to the public, contractors, developers, engineers, and architects regarding building code issues; interpret construction codes and ordinances.
4. Perform on-site inspections of residential and commercial buildings; verify field conditions of submitted permits for accuracy with submitted plans.
5. Assist in receiving and processing permits; issue building permits; receive plans for review.
6. Help other staff in the review of building plans and specifications.
7. Help the Building Official in interpretations of the state, local and international codes.
8. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay current of new trends in the field of plans examination and building code compliance.
9. Participate in the review, modification, and adoption of new building codes and ordinances.
10. Maintain professional, pleasant, and cooperative attitude always while displaying patience and flexibility, which may be required under difficult and stressful conditions.

Associated Functions:

• Attend meetings, community programs, or other events as requested.
• Attend various professional development workshops and continuing education meetings.
• Perform related work and/or other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• May perform in the capacity of Building Official when required.

Supervisory Responsibility
No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) :
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of reviewing building plans and specifications.
• Requirements of the Washington State and International codes.
• Modern methods and procedures of building construction.
• Principles of structural engineering.
• Methods and techniques of conducting on-site building inspections.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
• Procedures of record keeping and permit systems.

Skill in:

• Analyze, interpret and accurately check complex building plans, calculations and specifications.
• Interpret, apply and enforce applicable building codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of plan, calculation, and specification checks.
• Perform on-site building inspections.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public and professionals.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing professional letters.
• Work independently in the field and to communicate effectively with a variety of people and to handle regular and varied work situations with good judgment, tact and courtesy.
• Use a personal computer and associated software (i.e. Microsoft Office system), other standard office equipment including calculator, measuring tapes, electronic level, etc.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent with two (2) years vocational or college-level training in architecture, engineering, construction management, building technology or related field.
• Four (4) years increasingly responsible experience in building or fire code permitting, plan review, construction, or inspection.
• Building Inspector and Plans Examiner certification by the International Conference of Building Officials preferred, or ability to obtain certifications within six (6) months of hire.
• Valid state drivers license and ability to provide a drivers abstract showing a good driving record.
• Complete a comprehensive criminal background screening prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates degree desired.
• Municipal local government experience.

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Duties are performed in an office and field environment. Work requires visits to development sites, walking on uneven terrain and working in all types of weather conditions, and makes access into, under, and around structures by crawling in confined spaces, climbing, and stooping for prolonged periods as necessary to conduct a thorough inspection. Work requires hearing to monitor and hear safety warnings on a building site, visual acuity, and the ability to spend substantial time driving a City vehicle from site to site and getting in and out of vehicle throughout the day. Work occasionally requires being in high places and around machinery and equipment used in building construction. Work requires ability to operate a digital camera and cellular phone. Work requires negotiating construction sites, climbing stairs, moving and setting up ladders and/or scaffolding, walking through overgrown vegetation and/or wooded areas in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to use a keyboard. Position requires remaining stationary and moving for extended periods of time.

Safety Statement:
We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the Citys Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.